Jen Wilson said her Canterbury Ladies squad were ecstatic after their historic Investec National Premier Division title.

A 2-0 win at Clifton in their season finale on Saturday saw the Polo Farm side finish a point clear of Reading and secure their place in Europe for next season.

Wilson – the only female coach in the top-flight – spoke of her pride at the milestone in her first year at the helm and added: “It’s a phenomenal achievement. You set your minimum targets for the year but as we went on, we started to realise just how far we could go.

“We had a run before Christmas when we picked up some big results against some top teams and it was only then that we realised ‘we can really do something here.’

“With seven games to go after the mid-season break, you can see how close you are and we have a squad of players with real resilience and unbelievable passion.”

Player-coach Wilson – who recovered from a serious back injury to play her part in the title success – added: “We have achieved all we wanted to this season – and more.

“I am proud. A year ago I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to play a part but I have got stronger as the season has gone on.

“I was able to play a role and we have a deep squad with great balance.” Wilson said the feeling at the final whistle was unbelievable and the post-match celebrations were ‘epic.’

The city club will renew acquaintances with Clifton in the play-off semi-final at Reading on April 12 after the Bristol side finished fourth, with Reading and Surbiton facing-off in the other last-four clash.

The overall winners the following day will claim the top seed for European competition, although if Canterbury win, their opponents in the final will take the second spot.